• Serena Williams, who said her first auto purchase was a while Lincoln Navigator SUV she named “Ginger,” has signed to become an official spokesperson for the brand. A social media-based marketing campaign includes videos of Williams talking about and driving the 2018 Navigator, with ongoing videos to follow. “Partnering with a brand like Navigator comes from a genuine place,” she said in the first video. “Let’s just be honest: Serena Williams needs to be in the new Navigator.”

• The Smashing Pumpkins unveil 'Shiny And Oh So Bright' 36-city tour, their first tour in nearly 20 years, with founding members Billy Corgan, Jimmy Chamberlin, James Iha. Produced by Live Nation.

May 16, 2013:David Beckham, known as much for his off-field high-profile endeavors and his marriage to Victoria “Posh Spice” Beckham as for his iconic exploits on the soccer pitch, said today that he was retiring from active play.

But although Beckham the athlete may be done, Beckham the marketing brand will continue.

Beckham is finishing his career as a member of the Paris Saint-Germain club, where he donated his season’s salary to local children’s charities. But their altruistic activities didn’t exactly leave the Beckham clan short on cash. Last year alone, the 38-year-old earned in excess of $37 million (US) in marketing deals from such brands as adidas, H&M and Samsung.